Association between maternal blood cadmium during pregnancy and birth weight and the risk of fetal growth restriction: The EDEN mother–child cohort study

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential effect of maternal environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure on birth weight and fetal growth restriction (FGR). A total of 901 pregnant women from the EDEN cohort study were enrolled from two maternity units. Blood Cd was measured at mid-pregnancy and associations with birth weight and FGR were analyzed. Maternal Cd levels were associated with reduced birth weight in the offspring of women who smoked during pregnancy (b = −113.7; p = 0.001). Smoking during pregnancy and maternal blood Cd concentrations had comparable effects on FGR incidence (OR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.00–3.58 and OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.00–1.99, respectively). This study highlights the effect of Cd toxicity on fetal growth through the probable accumulation and transmission of this metal through the placenta. The close relationship between blood Cd levels and smoking habits indicates that Cd may be a relevant biomarker for smoking toxicity on fetal development.

► High maternal cadmium levels are associated with reduced birth weight in smokers. ► Maternal cadmium levels are higher in smoking than in non-smoking populations. ► Smoking during pregnancy and maternal cadmium concentrations had comparable effects on FGR incidence. ► Cadmium may be a relevant biomarker of smoking toxicity on fetal development.